PitPit && PaddockPaddock Official Newsletter of the Seven Racing Club 2019 2019

2019:2019: IssueIssue 33 www.mini7.co.uk

DUNLOPDUNLOP MINIMINI CHALLENGESCHALLENGES supported by MINI SPARES 66 Croft winners!

MiniMini Se7en:Se7en:

NewNew recordsrecords Chills & Thrills! Chills & Thrills! CoolCool MiniMini actionaction fromfrom CroftCroft Thruxton Preview ● Se7en: Thompson takes lead ● Miglia: Deegan & Smith tops ● S-Class: Kendall goes clear ● Libre: Advantage Davis

Croft Report Full results Latest news Technical updates Runners & Riders Mini Miglia: From the Archives Even quicker Tales of Thruxton

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

SPONSORS IN THE BEGINNING... ISSUE #3 or those of you ‘starstruck’ at known as the British Saloon Car the thought of sharing a pad- Championship. It’s also surprising CONTENTS F dock with the mighty TOCA just how many BTCC drivers origi- package in 2019, then a little history nally cut their tin-top teeth in , 3 Intro / Title sponsor of the Mini Se7en & lesson is in order - the links be- notably the likes of Steve Soper (‘77 Mini Miglia Challenge - all cars run tween the BTCC and the M7RC are & ‘79 1275 GT champion), Patrick Contacts on regulation Dunlop racing tyres closer than some may think. You Watts (‘79 Se7en champ’), Paul see, the invite to Thruxton on 18-19 Taft, Richard Belcher, Dave Carvell 4 Preview: www.dunloptyres.com May is not the once-in-a-lifetime and Alan Curnow (’75 Miglia event that many may believe. For champ’), while more recent M7RC Thruxton sure, the TV coverage and packed members to try their BTCC hand National Challenge spectator banks are these days the include former Se7en/Miglia champ’ equivalent of The X-Factor for UK Ian Curley, Miglia S-Class titleist Rds 3 + 4 motorsport, but there was a time, in Jim Burrows and newly registered in perhaps a less commercial age, Se7ens, Jeff Smith. The links don’t 6 Timetable: when the Minis could be found as a end there, as longtime M7RC prep- support act to the leading tin-top aration expert Peter Vickers was the Thruxton series. We have to go back before paint and bodywork specialist be- National Challenge the Millennium, to the early ‘90s hind the hugely successful Listerine when TOCA hosted end-of-season BMW M3s in the early ’90s which Rds 3 + 4 ‘Shootouts’ at , the went head-to-head with the Ford first in 1992 at which the Miglias Sierra RS500s and Vauxhall Cava- 7 2019 Calendar Title co-sponsor of the Mini Se7en took part in a handicap race against liers. Conversely, legendary Mini & Mini Miglia Challenge - a leading Metros and Fords. The credit laps tuning experts, Richard Longman 8 News

Mini aftermarket specialist didn’t quite go to form, and no one and Jon Mowatt were still providing was more surprised to ‘win’ overall A-Series tuning skills to M7RC com- 12 Race Report: Croft www.minispares.com than Peter Calver in his Cherry Red petitors while they themselves were ‘Mini 30’ lookalike. A year later and winning in the major tin-top category National Rds 1 + 2 the presence of newly-crowned back in the day. Not forgetting the Indycar Champion, no huge, full-colour Motoring News 16 Croft Gallery less, drew a whopping 60,000 feature a decade ago in which crowd to ultimately see the 1992 BTCC frontrunner Paul O’Neill test- 19 Trophy Spotlight F1 World Champion knocked ed three M7RC machines at Rock- ‘unconscious’, after a clash of ingham. But there’s another good 21 About the M7RC wheels with motoring presenter and reason to feel proud about the ex-F1 racer Tiff Needell, saw his M7RC’s heritage in 2019: the 60th 22 From the Archive Sponsor of the ‘Spax Spectaculer’ ‘Red 5’ Ford Mondeo off into the Anniversary of the Mini itself, a car Improver Awards - for most places wall… The Miglias/Se7ens mean- that in the hands of John Rhodes Thruxton: made up by a Mini Se7en driver in while had their own combined and John Hand- 30 Years Ago - 1989 the race from their grid position runout, Chris Lewis race-testing the ley, et al, origi- proposed 1300cc engine spec due nally helped to 40 Years Ago - 1979 www.spaxperformance.com to replace the original 1-litre Miglia create the sa- 50 Years Ago - 1969 unit in 1994. Yours truly was the last loon car racing Se7en home... There were half-a- phenomenon dozen other meetings between the that is the 30 Roll of Honour: late ‘80s and early ‘90s, at Doning- hugely success- The Champions ton, Silverstone and Thruxton, and ful BTCC as we Sponsor of the Fastest Lap awards before that, one or two events in the know it today ● 33 Know Your Rivals early ‘80s when the series was then RW www.pipercams.co.uk CONTACTS EDITOR COMPETITION MANAGER / TECHNICAL SUB-COMMITTEE REP Richard Williamson MERCHANDISE Gareth Hunt e: [email protected] Mike Jackson e: [email protected] Series partner to Mini Miglia e: [email protected] REPORTERS TECHNICAL SCRUTINEERS www.ohlins.uk.com Roy Sisley, tba... MEMBERSHIP Steve Wood Barry Payne e: [email protected] PHOTOS e: [email protected] Julian Affleck Matt Barrington e: [email protected] www: mbracephotography.co.uk TREASURER Pete Waller, Colin Watkins, Jeffrey Parish CLUB SAFEGUARDING OFFICER Series partner to Mini Miglia Stephen Colbran e: [email protected] Amanda Proctor

e: amandaproctor0510 WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA DRIVERS REPS www.ohlins.uk.com @hotmail.co.uk Stephen Colbran Mark Sims (Miglia) e: [email protected] e: [email protected] CLERK OF THE COURSE Darren Thomas (Se7en) Chris Gibson CHAIRMAN e: [email protected] e: [email protected] Nick Cooke Ben Butler (S-Class) e: [email protected] e: bwdecoratingservices

COMMERCIAL MANAGER @gmail.com Sponsor of the Race Trophy awards Colin Peacock Phil Harvey (Libre) www.curleyuk.com e: [email protected] e: [email protected] www.mini7.co.uk

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

PREVIEW:PREVIEW: Thruxton...Thruxton...

NationalNational ChallengeChallenge 1818--1919 May...May...

Photos: M7RC Archive (M Barrington + P Waller) + (M Barrington Archive M7RC Photos: Photos: M7RC Archive (M Barrington + P Waller) + (M Barrington Archive M7RC Photos:

Miglia

Lap Record Kane Astin Time: 1:29.270 Ave speed: 95.01 mph ANY TRIP TO THE CIRCUIT ALWAYS PROVIDES GREAT Set: 3 Junemile circuit 2018 MINI RACING AND SO AN INVITE TO SUPPORT THE MASSIVELY POP- 2.356- ULAR BTCC PACKAGE IS SURE TO APPEAL TO THE THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS EXPECTED FOR A PACKED WEEKEND OF ACTION... was demonstrated at Croft last Miglias, Joe Thompson has immedi- Mini Libre month. Both Lee Deegan and reigning ately joined the front-running pace, MINI MIGLIA he ‘Free Formula’ category champion, Aaron Smith, took a win including a win at the Silverstone t seems that the ‘leap of faith’ apiece and come to Thruxton on Winter opener, so will be one to look saw a battle royale at Croft in April, and the entry for this introduction of ‘stock’ perfor- equal points at the top of the table. out for. Dark horses who could also TT April, and the entry for this event promises more of the same. mance parts a couple of seasons In third overall, twice Miglia champ’, spring a surprise include Rob Howard I Rob Davis leads the standings after Rupert Deeth will want to open his and Chris Morgan, the latter a former ago has had a positive effect on a double victory in North Yorkshire, 2019 winning tally sooner rather than 1.3i Mini ace. As ever, a host of sea- Miglia numbers, as entries are now but newcomer Josh Evans will be matching and, in some instances, later, as will 2015 champion Kane soned Mini racers bring out their cars one to look out for after his pair of surpassing those of the traditionally Astin, while Colin Peacock and top from time-to-time to join in what second places, both following re- healthier Se7en registrations. What it historic F1 racer Nick Padmore have promises to be a landmark event for covery drives from the tail of the has also achieved is regular trains of been first past the flag on more than the M7RC, the likes of Niven Burge, field. Justin Cooper lies third in the cars battling it out for the lead, as one occasion. In his first season of Gordon Pocock and Wayne Grayer (a standings and will be hoping to add former Winter Miglia champion) to his trio of victories from last sea- having been watching from the side- son, while reigning class champion lines for a few seasons, while another Phil Harvey will be looking to make returning champ’, Endaf Owens, has up the points deficit after a double- been preparing cars for several other DNF last time out. Of the rest, 2017 people. Mini Miglias and the fastest title winner Peter Crewes is a poten- circuit on the calendar - a potent mix tial winner too in his 7-port machine, guaranteed to entertain! ● now fully straightened after its Snet- terton prang last year, likewise Peter Hills in his re-shelled, 16-valve ex- PREVIOUS WINNERS: ample. Steve Baker returns after a

2018 D Drew / A Smith couple of outings in 2018, while 2014 R Deeth / K Astin another newcomer, Dan Lewis 2012 P Baldwin / C Peacock makes his debut in the category ●

2011 E Owens x2 Libre Lap Record 2010 P Thompson / D Drew Jonathan Lewis 2008 P Baldwin Time: 1:30.104 2007 A Hack Ave speed: 94.13 mph 2005 P Baldwin Set: 3 June 2018 2003 P Baldwin 2.356-mile circuit 2002 B Sollis

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

...PREVIEW:...PREVIEW: ThruxtonThruxton

...National...National ChallengeChallenge 1818--1919 MayMay

Se7en Lap Record Paul Thompson Time: 1:37.933 ...FOUR RACES OVER THE TWO DAYS SHOULD PROVIDE PLENTY OF Ave speed: 86.60 mph SUPERB FOOTAGE FOR THE ITV CAMERAS, HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SATURDAY A PRECURSOR FOR BOTH SUNDAY ENCOUNTERS GOING Set: 21 Aug’ 2005 OUT LIVE TO WHAT IS REGULARLY A HUGE ARMCHAIR AUDIENCE 2.356-mile circuit

Photos: M7RC Archive (M Barrington + P Waller) + (M Barrington Archive M7RC Photos: Photos: M7RC Archive (M Barrington + P Waller) + (M Barrington Archive M7RC Photos:

Mini-7 S-Class having been edging closer to a top unique number #0 on his car to de- spot over the past couple of seasons. note his three-race 0-Plate success at t least a dozen cars are ex- MINI SE7EN This trio will have to cope with sever- last November. Of the pected in the Se7ens’ feeder rguably, the Mini Se7ens have al strong contenders, not least reign- rest, Kieren McDonald, Lee Roberts A category, led by 2018 class A been even closer than the ing champion Max Hunter who and Gareth Hunt are all capable of champion Scott Kendall, who must champion Scott Kendall, who must missed the opening rounds, but is running near the front, while the start as favourite after his opening A Miglias, with more than one always on the pace when health Se7ens also feature strength in brace of wins at Croft. Having also headlamp and wheelspat not in the made the transition from 1.3i Minis, same condition (or place) it started permits him to compete. Similarly, depth, with a range of experience in Connor O’Brien will be aiming to the race! Busier than most in 2019 is three-time champion Andrew Deviny the entry, from novice Glen Wood- make up for a frustrating start to Joe Thompson, the old head-on- will be in the mix, along with Spencer bridge, to Philip Gillibrand, the now his National campaign, although young shoulders driver attempting to Wanstall, running a brand-new car retired judge out in his rebuilt car two wins at the Silverstone Winter emulate dad Paul’s twin category this season, Darren Thomas and Leon after several seasons planning a meeting in March show he has the campaign of a couple of decades ago. Wightman, the latter carrying the comeback ● pace. Jo Polley has been a regular So far, he isn’t doing too bad either, podium visitor in her first season, and goes into the Thruxton weekend another to have raced 1.3is, and a couple of points clear having taken modern MINIS too. Still 16 years old a win and a second at Croft. His clos- before the season began, Thorburn est challengers have both won al- Astin will no doubt be looking to ready, former BTCC racer Jeff Smith a improve on his third overall in last improve on his third overall in last Silverstone Winter round, while Dom year’s standings, as well as retain Burger broke his duck last time out the Graham Hill Trophy for Under- 17s. Hopefully, novice Jack Shear- PREVIOUS WINNERS: inging will will have have repaired repaired his his heavy heavy Croft damage in time, while new 2018 T Sanderson / D Thomas faces include Ben Cutler and Da- 2014 A Deviny / D Thomas mien Harrington ● 2012 P Spark x2

S-Class Lap Record 2011 P Spark x2 James Bull 2010 P Spark x2 2008 P Thompson Time: 1:38.447 2007 M Hunter Ave speed: 86.15 mph 2005 A Deviny Set: 2 June 2018 2003 A Deviny 2.356-mile circuit 2002 T Sims

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

TIMETABLE: Thruxton National Challenge Rds 3+4 18-19 May Friday 17 May 2019 START FINISH DURATION SESSION CLASS 1 16.00 17.30 1 /2 hours Signing-on All

Saturday 18 May 2019 07.30 07.45... 15 mins... Signing-on All 07.45 09.00 1 1/ hours Scrutineering Se7en + S BARC/TOCA BTCC MEETING 4 The Kwik British Touring Car 09.00 09.15 15 mins Drivers’ Briefing All Championship heads to Thrux- 09.15 10.30 1 1/ hours Scrutineering Miglia + Libre “ ton for the first of two visits this 4 year, with rounds 7, 8 and 9 taking 10.30 10.45 15 mins Qualifying Se7en + S place this weekend. With events at Brands and Donington already in the 11.25 11.40 15 mins Qualifying Miglia + Libre books, the fastest circuit in the country 14.25 14.40... 10 laps Race 1 (Rd 3) Se7en + S is one of the standout events on the 16.55 17.10... 10 laps Race 4 (Rd 3) Miglia + Libre TOCA calendar… The TOCA support package will once again be in attend- ance but with a different feel to it, the Sunday 19 May 2019 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship 12.50 13.05... 10 laps Race 8 (Rd 4) Se7en + S and the certified by FIA – powered by Ford 15.15 15.30... 10 laps Race 11 (Rd 4) Miglia + Libre EcoBoost the only regular fixtures. Joining the fray for the weekend is the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge and the Mini Se7en Cham- pionship, the latter celebrating its 60th year of the iconic Mini and become the first category since the Super Touring Car Championship to join the well-established TOCA support package” ● www.barc.net

ollowing two free practice sessions before lunch and then qualifying on Saturday afternoon, the headlining Kwik Fit- F backed British Touring Car Championship will feature three races on Sunday, the first at 12.10 followed again at 14.35 NEWS UPDATE NEWS UPDATE and then the third runout concluding the day’s action from 17.15. With live TV coverage, timings will be strictly adhered to, SIGNING-ON/SCRUTINEERING... and the paddock WILL be busy, so Mini competitors should o help alleviate stress over allow plenty of time to be ready to go to the assembly area, as timings on Saturday morning, stragglers may miss the grid ● Image: courtesy T please note that Anita from BARC Admin’ has kindly made herself available to take early driver sign-on registrations between 16.00 and CIRCUIT LENGTH:

17.30 on Friday afternoon, in the Signing-On office next to the Scruti- 2.356 miles neering Bay. Similarly, to reduce vehi- cle movements in the paddock, the Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8NN Scrutineering team will come to you in Tel: 01264 882222 your awning space (it may even be Email: [email protected] possible to begin checking cars on Friday) but all drivers MUST be availa- Driving there: ble with race kit for inspection. The Thruxton circuit is readily accessible from both the M3 and M4 motorways - 1.5 hours from London, 2.5 ‘special’ Drivers’ Briefing, which in- hours from Birmingham. Once on the A303 follow the signs for Thruxton Circuit ONLY; ignore the signs cludes team owners/mechanics also, for Thruxton village. Upon leaving the A303 follow the signs for Thruxton Circuit. Sat-nav users should will be held in the Scrutineering Bay at use postcode SP11 8PN ● 9 am on Saturday morning SHARP! ● www.thruxtonracing.co.uk www.m7rc.co.uk

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

2019 CALENDAR DUNLOP MINI CHALLENGE SUPPORTED BY MINI SPARES

National 1+2 Croft 13-14 April (BARC)

National 3+4 Thruxton 18-19 May (BARC / TOCA BTCC)

National 5+6 Silverstone (GP Historic) 15-16 June (MGCC / MG Live!) Cancelled!

National 7+8+9 Zandvoort, NL 5-7 July (CZL-CPZ / British Race Festival)

National 10+11 Brands Hatch 20-21 July (MSV / Mini Festival South)

National 5+6 Brands Hatch GP 10-11 August (MSV / DTM support) new!

National 12+13 31 August-1 Sept’ (BARC)

National 14+15 Castle Combe 13-14 October (CCRC)

ADDITIONAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Winter Series 1+2 Silverstone (National) 30 March (MGCC / Spring Cup)

Winter Series 3+4+5 Brands Hatch 9-10 November (BARC / 0-Plate Trophy)

AGM / ATD Stratford Manor Hotel (tbc) November or December

Awards / Dinner Dance Stratford Manor Hotel (tbc) January 2020

ThruxtonThruxton

NationalNational ChallengeChallenge RdsRds 3+43+4

BARCBARC // TOCATOCA

1818--1919 MayMay

Photo: M7RC Archive (M Barrington) (M Archive M7RC Photo: Photo: M7RC Archive (M Barrington) (M Archive M7RC Photo:

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NATIONAL POINTS BRANDSBRANDS HATCHHATCH GPGP TOTO FILLFILL RACERACE CALENDARCALENDAR after Rds 1+2

MINI MIGLIA 1 48 Lee Deegan 39 2 1 Aaron Smith 39 3 23 Rupert Deeth 35 4 11 Kane Astin 34 5 80 Joe Thompson 32 6 92 Jason Porter 28 7 83 Colin Peacock 17 8 45 Chris Morgan 15 9 72 Rob Howard 15 10 37 James Cuthbertson 14 11 20 Mark Sims 13 13 69 Tony Le May 13 13 85 Sam Summerhayes 12 14 44 Darren Moon 11 15 17 Rick Jessop 9 16 64 Alex Osborne 0

MINI LIBRE 1 500 Rob Davis 20 2 474 Josh Evans 16 3 616 Justin Cooper 12 4 113 Phil Harvey 2 5 177 Peter Crewes 1 venue - the new National Rounds ers (that’s other classes apart from …ROUNDS 5 & 6 NOW nc 126 Peter Hills - 5 & 6 at Brands Hatch will be on single-seater racing and sports rac- PLANNED FOR AUGUST the support bill to the DTM ing cars), with up to 55 allowed for MINI SE7EN ollowing detailed negotia- (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters), qualifying, so entries will need to be tions, the 2019 National Mini as the major German-based tin-top on a strictly first-come, first-served 1 4 Joe Thompson 39 Challenge has finally been series visits the UK for its champion- basis, subject to championship reg- 2 28 Dom Burger 37 F 3 35 Jeff Smith 37 restored to a 15-round champion- ship rounds. ulations regarding guaranteed en- ship, with an invitation from MSVR With the National Challenge now tries (refer to SR.2.1). The entry 4 20 Darren Thomas 31 to race on the full Grand Prix circuit back up to the original 15 rounds, forms should be available soon, 5 77 Andrew Deviny 30 at Brands Hatch on 10-11 August. the number of dropped scores from either online at www.mini7.co.uk 6 94 Lee Roberts 29 Replacing the Silverstone MGLive! the final total will also revert to 4, or direct via www.msvracing.com 7 95 Julian Proctor 24 meeting, originally scheduled over as stated in the published 2019 within the next few weeks. 8 39 Glen Woodbridge 21 the 15-16 June weekend on the Regulations, and effectively mean- For the revised 2019 calendar, turn 9 0 Leon Wightman 17 Historic GP layout - but cancelled ing that the best 11 scores may to page 7 where the full list of dates 10 2 Spencer Wanstall 17 due to resurfacing work required count. According to the MsUK Blue can be viewed ● 11 22 Graeme Davis 14 before the British F1 GP and Moto Book, the 2.4432-mile GP track limit Images: M7RC Archive 12 38 Steven Hopper 12 GP events at the Northamptonshire at Brands Hatch allows for 46 start- (C Watkins + M Barrington) 13 63 Dave Robinson 9 14 37 Gareth Hunt 1

MINI-7 S-CLASS 1 708 Scott Kendall 40 2 706 Jo Polley 38 3 795 Stuart Gilby 34 4 733 James Bryan 31 5 760 Jack Shearing 19 6 736 Thorburn Astin 18 7 787 Connor O’Brien 16 8 796 Mark Chappell 16

Mini Se7en Novices 1 39 Glen Woodbridge 8

Mini-7 S-Class Novices 1 760 Jack Shearing 4 2 733 James Bryan 4

Graham Hill Trophy As in 2016, the M7RC will race on the full GP circuit at Brands, including iconic Under-17 S-Class sections at Pilgrims Drop, Hawthorns, Dingle Dell, Sheene Curve and Stirlings 1 736 Thorburn Astin 2

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

PITLANE MAG 2019 M7RCM7RC SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT ININ MOTORSPORTMOTORSPORT NEWSNEWS !! he M7RC’s annual, full n its 24 April edition, the motoring weekly newspa- colour, 72- per, Motorsport News, carried a major feature on T page Pitlane Re- I the Mini Seven Racing Club. To mark the 60th Anni- view 2018 maga- versary of the classic little car, the paper produced a zine was released 16-page pull-out supplement under the headline ‘Sixty for the Awards Years of Mini Glory’, including sections on the rallying evening in late pioneers (Paddy Hopkirk et al); motorsport stars who January, so if you began their racing careers in a Mini (James Hunt, Niki haven’t yet received a copy there Lauda, Gerry Marshall, Colin McRae, Andrew Jordan, will be plenty available at the …); and a look back to the recent epic Good- M7RC stand on race weekends. Or wood historic Mini event (Nicks Swift & Padmore, and if you can’t make it in person, then Jonathan Lewis, etc) which MN also suggested could contact [email protected] have been ‘The Ultimate Mini Race’… That last point for posting details ● can be debated forever and a day, but more im- portantly, a whole page was dedicated to the M7RC. Entitled ‘The Mini Series With A Long History’, the piece included several pictures, a full listing of all the National champions, and insightful comments for the readers, from Aaron Smith, Kane Astin and Colin Pea- cock, the latter noting the much valued support of Dunlop and, more recently BARC. Compiled by MN’s Deputy Editor Stephen Lickorish, the much appreciated feature concluded with the following observation:

“Given the success the Club has enjoyed over the years, you can be sure the iconic Mini will be a fixture on our circuits for many more seasons to come.” Image: courtesy Motorsport News Amen to that! ●

19 May. I hope very much I can WINTER POINTS GILLIMIN RETURNS retain number 57 in memory of my after Rds 1+2 welcome name from the latelate brother brother Frank Frank and and I I hope hope my my Club’s past is due to make MINI MIGLIA entry will be in time. I have a test a return to the tracks at day at Goodwood (subject to noise) 1 80 Joe Thompson 39 AA Thruxton, namely Philip Gillibrand MINI 7 MEMORIES and one at Castle Combe. I feel 2 83 Colin Peacock 39 who hopes to race the latest incar- rusty and nervous because of the en more issues of the M7RC 3 99 Richard Wager 33 nation of ‘Gillimin’, in which older lengthlength ofof timetime sincesince racing;racing; gettinggetting Archive have been released, 4 20 Mark Sims 19 brother Frank first raced in Formu- older - I'm now retired - so despite now making 30 years worth 5 11 Kane Astin 18 T lala Mini Mini-7 back in the late-1960s. having a good car thanks to Darren of the Club’s history in print. Chap- 6 69 Tony Le May 18 Philip commented: “I have just Thomas (who has been great in ter 5 ‘The Last Years of 850’ covers 7 79 Jon Lee 0 collected my Mini Se7en after a every way) please don't expect too 1986 to 1990, and the swansong of nc 72 Rob Howard - body and engine/gearbox rebuild. I much. Still, I'm looking forward to the original 850cc Mini Se7en en- MINI LIBRE want to rejoin the Club as a com- seeing everyone again and the gine, while Chapter 6 ‘The Green petitor and start my first race in Revolution’, from 1991 to 1995, 1 113 Phil Harvey 11 friendly atmosphere” ● four years, at Thruxton on the 18- Photo: M7RC Archives (O Read) records a new 1000cc Se7en unit, 2 149 Gary Warburton 9 and a move to 1300cc for Mini MINI SE7EN Miglia, plus the adoption of un- 1 35 Jeff Smith 39 leaded fuel and growing ties with 2 77 Andrew Deviny 38 RoverSport and . Archive 3 28 Dom Burger 37 copies, including 1966 through to 4 0 Leon Wightman 34 1985, are available from Mike Jack- 5 94 Lee Roberts 30 son on the Club stand or via the 6 18 Tina Cooper 30 www.m7rc.co.uk ‘shop’ section ● 7 39 Glen Woodbridge 27 8 22 Graeme Davis 17 9= 88 Kieren McDonald 0 55 Darren Eaton 0 MINI-7 S-CLASS 1 787 Connor O’Brien 40 2 706 Jo Polley 38 3 715 Jonnie Kent 36 4 778 Charlie Brisker 0

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

MINI SEVEN RACING CLUB

CHAMPIONSHIP BULLETIN # 2_2019

RE: Scrutineering Updates for Thruxton

To all M7RC Members and Associates,

Following the opening National Challenge meeting at Croft on 13-14 April, the M7RC Scrutineering team have the following update and vehicle requirements for Thruxton on 18-19 May:

Thank you for your co-operation over the Croft weekend; what did we do? We checked RIDE HEIGHT and WEIGHT after all qualifying and racing; carried out DIFF RATIO checks; COMPRESSION comparison checks - we will do this on a random basis, if you all have the same bore and stroke, and minimum unswept volume, then the readings should be very similar, if not then further investigation may be needed; FRONT CALIPER checks on the S-Class and some CARBURRETOR checks.

Around the paddock we looked at...

NUMBERS: Please refer to TR.5.17 and to Motorsport UK ‘Blue Book’ section J.4.1… Black numbers, classic font, min 23cm high x 3.8cm wide on a white background (class-specific 2019 Challenge door panels apply). For the front/bonnet numbers, the background may be oblong or round but must be white and have a delineating border outside of the numbers. Your next meeting is as a BTCC Touring Car support, and televised. Please check your numbers are correct, all mandatory sponsor- ship stickers are fitted, and drivers’ names are in the correct font and colour, to maintain a professional image for the Club.

HANDBRAKES: On S-Class the standard handbrake in its original position, see TR 5.11.1.4.* On Se7en and Miglia, a mechanical handbrake MUST be fitted and work if only a single-circuit system is used (not needed if you use a dual-circuit system). All cars, refer to TR 11.1.5 and Motorsport UK ‘Blue Book’ Q.19.5, you should NOT be able to adjust brake balance whilst driving.

PADDING: We noticed that some padding was missing on cages and on the steering columns. Please refer to TR.5.3.3 re. cage padding and TR.5.12.1.3 re. column padding - not a lot of you have column padding, it WILL HURT if your knees hit the column in an accident!

We think that will do to start with, but we will continue to check items over the season. Our aim is to keep you as SAFE as we can, and all the cars as EQUAL as possible.

Steve Wood / Julian Affleck M7RC Scrutineering Team

Issued by: Richard Williamson Championship Coordinator - M7RC Dated: 24 April 2019

*Note: post-issue of original bulletin... The Technical Sub-Committee (TS-C) will be meeting at Thruxton to further discuss handbrakes and gearshifts within Mini-7 S-Class, in line with the ongoing review of the M7RC Regulations and their wording and format for future seasons beyond 2019.

Should a competitor still have any concerns on this matter, please contact:

TS-C Representative, Gareth Hunt [email protected], or S-Class Drivers Rep, Ben Butler [email protected]

The 2019 Dunlop Mini Challenges supported by Mini Spares CH2019/R104 (Grade C) Photo: ####?????? Photo: MSA Championship Permit No:

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS TV VOICE WITH MINI PEDIGREE IN BRIEF

MINI ACTION AGAINST CANCER -Class racer Andy Dickinson took his car along to the 6th S Mk1 Action Day at Blyton Park in Lincolnshire on 5-6 May, an interesting weekend of Mini-based track action and displays that also CLASSIC MINIS TO helped raise funds for Cancer Re- lief UK. Special guest was BMC BREAK RECORD? racing legend Christabel Carlisle ●

world record grid of period M7RC RACERS IN 24 HOURS OF C1 Minis is the bold claim for t the recent Silverstone 24- this summer’s Silverstone hour race for the (Citroen) A C1 Racing Club’s multi- Classic on 26-28 July, in celebration AA driver series, a record 99-car entry of the icon’s 60th birthday. Fittingly 60 entries have already been re- or those who regularly follow November and who, as was noted saw some familiar M7RC names on ceived for the Mini Celebration Tro- the British Touring Car Cham- in Motorsport News in their recent board, Kieren McDonald in the 8th phy presented by Adrian Flux, and pionship on TV, the voice of ‘Mini at 60’ supplement, “...started -placed overall team and Tina F Cooper in a car featuring former with a maximum of 58 starters per- leading race commentator David - and finished - his two-race career Rollcentre owner Martin Short ● mitted on Silverstone’s full Grand Addison should be a familiar one. in a Mini.” Prix circuit, there is a rapidly grow- However, besides his in-depth With that sort of pedigree behind LIMITED EDITION POLO SHIRT ing reserve list. The action is spread knowledge of the BTCC and other him, those at home can hopefully o commemorate the Club’s across all three days of the Classic, regular televised motorsport series, look forward to some very knowl- landmark invitation to race with a frantic qualifying session on what many people may not realise edgable, and positive, TV commen- T alongside the BTCC at Friday ahead of two unmissable 20- is that he also has first-hand experi- tary for Thruxton on 18-19 May! ● Thruxton on 18-19 May, a limited minute showdowns on Saturday ence of Mini Se7en racing. How Photos: M7RC Archive (C Watkins) edition polo shirt will be available and Sunday. The pre-1966 Minis are come, you may ask? Well, if we on the weekend. Price is £25 and it fitted with similar race-prepared rewind back almost two decades to features both the M7RC and TOCA 1275cc engines, all built to identical the turn of the (21st) century, and logos with ‘Thruxton 2019’ word- technical regulation, so the level of there, in 26th position overall in the ing. A collector’s item... ● competition is likely to be feisty 2000 Dunlop Winter Se7en Chal- READING BETWEEN THE LINES throughout the tightly-packed field. lenge, is the very same David Addi- new 320-page motor rac- The global entry list is headed by son. He had been invited to race the inging book book by by Will Will Buxton, Buxton, proven Mini aces like Jonathan Lew- car of 1999 & 2000 Mini Se7en Na- entitled ‘My Greatest De- is, Ian Curley, Bill Sollis and Nick tional Champion, Dave Braggins, for AA feat’, is a collection of honest and Swift, who are joined by best-selling a double-header at Silverstone on 4 revealing insights into 20 top rac- crime-fiction writer Peter James and inging drivers;drivers; legendslegends ofof F1,F1, Indycar,Indycar, a number of well-known BTCC rac- NASCAR, Le Mans and Rallying - ers including Jeff Smith, Michael - RALLYING TO THE CAUSE “beneath the fire-proof suits and Caine and Patrick Watts, as well as - helmets, and beyond the heroics 2013 BTCC Champion Andrew Jor- displayed on track, these modern dan. Encouraging all owners and gladiators are fallible and breaka- enthusiasts of Sir Alec Issigonis’ ble…” Priced £19.99 ● mini marvel to share in the spectac- ular Diamond Jubilee birthday par- ty, a unique Mini Celebration Pack- age is on offer, and includes an anni- versary track parade on Friday, two adult tickets, a vehicle pass to the display area, plus entry into the track parade on the full Grand Prix circuit. Adult admission starts at £45 and allows access to racing pad- docks, all open grandstands, live music concerts, air shows, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and other ini Pace car driver for again to Roland Eckert and Mini family entertainment. A wide range the Croft race weekend Spares for their continued custom- of child, young adult and family M was Peter Ellerby, who er raffle prize, a popular incentive tickets are also available, plus brought along his full rally-spec, scheme that definitely adds a wel- camping and hospitality options. Mk1 Cooper S replica, which he come point of interest to pre-race Details: www.silverstoneclassic.com now mainly campaigns with the commentary! ● Photo: courtesy Newspress Historic Rally Car Register. Thanks Photo: mbracephotography.co.uk

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 RACERACE REPORT:REPORT: Croft...Croft... National Rd 1 13 April 2019...

NEAR-FREEZING CONDITIONS GREETED THE M7RC FOR THE OPENING 2019 NATIONAL ROUNDS AT CROFT, BUT SOME SIZZLING MINI RACING HELPED WARM THE COCKLES FOR THE HARDY SPECTATORS...

JoeJoe playsplays itit coolcool

Kendall heads S-Class

our action-packed races and a fortnight earlier. Dropped oil, home, the all-new red car from the were Connor O’Brien and Thorburn record speeds injected much mostly from a hole in Gareth Hunt’s Rightline stables pulling off in a Astin, both requiring major engine F needed ‘heat’ into a numbing- gearbox, interrupted the flow of a cloud of steam along pit straight. surgery to make the following day’s ly-cold meeting in North Yorkshire furious multi-car lead battle, but Darren Thomas survived a couple of race. Both fastest laps were on rec- on 13-14 April, as the 2019 National through it all Thompson kept a cool grassy moments to finish 5th, with ord pace, even with the oil down! ● Mini Challenges got underway on head to hold off Jeff Smith in sec- Lee Roberts and Julian Proctor next RW the newly resurfaced Croft circuit. ond, the latter having started from up on points, while novice Glen RESULT: First off on the Saturday afternoon the seventh row after qualifying out Woodbridge returned to the fray for Race 1 Se7en / S-Class 12 Laps were the Se7en/S-Class cars, a of session. Andrew Deviny pipped a signature, 2 laps down having strong grid led away from pole by Dom Burger for the third podium pitted mid-race. Joining Hunt on the 1 4 Joe Thompson 21:12.227 2 35 Jeff Smith Joe Thompson, fresh from his im- spot once Spencer Wanstall’s engine sidelines were Graeme Davis and 3 77 Andrew Deviny pressive Miglia debut at Silverstone lost its water a couple of laps from Steven Hopper, with Leon Wight- 4 28 Dom Burger 5 20 Darren Thomas man and Dave Robinson both miss- 6 708 Scott Kendall S 21:48.317 ing the start, the latter’s new car 7 94 Lee Roberts suffering a crank sensor glitch. 8 95 Julian Proctor 9 706 Jo Polley S From pole on the new-for-2019 ‘B 10 760 Jack Shearing S grid’, reigning S-Class champion 11 795 Stuart Gilby S Scott Kendall led from the start to 12 733 James Bryan S 13 796 Mark Chappell S 11 laps rise to sixth overall (having qualified 14 39 Glen Woodbridge 10

8th overall in the timed session) dnf 2 Spencer Wanstall 10 laps with Jo Polley taking second in class dnf 37 Gareth Hunt 3 three places further back. Novice dnf 22 Graeme Davis 3 dnf 38 Steven Hopper 3 Jack Shearing got the better of Stu- art Gilby for third in class, the pair ns 0 Leon Wightman ns 787 Connor O’Brien S having a great duel dodging oil and ns 736 Thorburn Astin S scattered gravel! Novice James Bry- ns 63 Dave Robinson

an appeared in the ex-Kevin O’Shea FL 7 D Thomas car, now resprayed a base-layer 1:43.477 - 73.93 mph FL S S Kendall grey, and turned in a respectable 1:45.229 - 72.69 mph debut to 5th in class ahead of Mark Pole 7 J Thompson Pole S S Kendall Chappell who got caught out by the

oil a couple of times. On the DNS list 2.125-mile circuit Photos: P Waller Photos:

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 RACERACE REPORT:REPORT: Croft...Croft...... RACE...RACE REPORT:REPORT: CroftCroft

National Rd 1 13 April 2019...... National Rd 1 13 April 2019

JustJust enoughenough LeeLee--wayway

First Libre win for Davis Photos: P Waller Photos: he Miglia/Libre encounter duo, Smith setting pole despite a debut in a smart pale blue Miglia, newly resurfaced track and excep- closed the first day’s racing, minor collision with a Libre, while a and ran well to 7th ahead of Club tionally cold temperatures saw lap T and what a belter it proved to troublesome alternator restricted stalwarts Jason Porter and Mark record pace, with Deegan’s Miglia be. Half-a-dozen cars were in with a Deegan to a third row start. Mean- Sims, with Sam Summerhayes the fastest yet, and new boy Evans shout before Lee Deegan hit the while, Kane Astin eventually edged rounding out the top 10 ahead of establishing the Libre benchmark ● front. However, a slight off instantly third in the race from Rupert Deeth, Darren Moon. Having run just be- RW dropped him back down the order Colin Peacock and Joe Thompson, hind the leaders, Rob Howard RESULT: before a superb recovery drive saw the latter emulating father Paul’s (gently) found the hairpin tyres on Race 1 Miglia / Libre 13 Laps him work his way back in front once double-category campaign of 2008. lap 8, while further back James more to snatch the win ahead of He qualified an impressive 2nd over- Cuthbertson pulled off a few laps 1 48 Lee Deegan 20:36.644 2 1 Aaron Smith reigning champ Aaron Smith. Quali- all too. Former Mighty Mini champi- earlier and Tony Le May went out 3 11 Kane Astin fying was a mixed bag for the lead on Chris Morgan made his M7RC on the opening lap. Alex Osborne 4 23 Rupert Deeth never even made it out to qualify 5 83 Colin Peacock 6 80 Joe Thompson following a con-rod failure in testing 7 45 Chris Morgan on Saturday morning. In the invita- 8 92 Jason Porter tional Libre class, Rob Davis took 9 20 Mark Sims 10 85 Sam Summerhayes advantage of an opening lap fracas 11 44 Darren Moon to open up a clear gap, leaving Jus- 12 17 Rick Jessop 13 500 Rob Davis L 21:20.256 tin Cooper and reigning class cham- 14 474 Josh Evans L pion Phil Harvey to give chase, be- 15 616 Justin Cooper L

fore the latter ran wide and found dnf 113 Phil Harvey L 10 laps the tyrewall. Newcomer Josh Evans dnf 72 Rob Howard 7 meanwhile recovered from an early dnf 177 Peter Crewes L 4 dnf 37 James Cuthbertson 2 delay to edge out Cooper for second dnf 69 Tony Le May 0

near the end. Having repaired the ns 64 Alex Osborne hefty Snetterton damage from last wd 126 Peter Hills L

season, 2017 class champion Peter FL M L Deegan Crewes pitted when a broken valve 1:33.705 - 81.64 mph FL L J Evans head made rattly noises, while Peter 1:35.933 - 79.74 mph Hills joined Osborne as a spectator Pole M A Smith after a chronic back pain worsened Pole L P Harvey

after testing. A combination of the 2.125-mile National circuit

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 RACERACE REPORT:REPORT: Croft...Croft... National Rd 2 14 April 2019...

Smith’sSmith’s sizzlersizzler

Rob’s on a roll unday afternoon felt even Smith. The lead changed several dropped the atttentions of Cuth- improving on Deegan’s new Miglia colder to those outside of a times before Smith made it stick, bertson who had made a good start lap record from the day before, S ‘cosy’ race Mini, and red flag despite a last corner ‘nibble’ at the to gain several places on his 7th row likewise Evans who lowered his own delays in other races served only to hairpin from Deegan, and just grid position. In the midfield, Moon, best Libre time. All in all a terrific prolong the wintery wait. Minus the 0.118s was the difference at the Summerhayes and Sims had all been way to open the National season ● cars of Jessop and Crewes from the flag. Terrific stuff! Deeth, Thompson running close together but one by RW previous day’s starters, the Miglia/ and Astin were constant shadows one all dropped out with mechanical RESULT: Libre grid went first this time for the final podium place after Pea- bothers. Morgan didn’t make it be- Race 2 Miglia / Libre 13 Laps around, and once again several cars cock dropped out on lap 9. Porter yond the opening lap, firstly getting were on the front-running pace again ran strongly just off the lead- well out of shape through the chi- 1 1 Aaron Smith 20:30.959 2 48 Lee Deegan before it eventually boiled down to ers to claim 6th, with Howard equal- cane onto the back straight before 3 23 Rupert Deeth a straight fight between Deegan and ly consistent in 7th having gradually another off-course moment through 4 80 Joe Thompson Tower signalled a broken suspen- 5 11 Kane Astin 6 92 Jason Porter sion part, thankfully avoiding any- 7 72 Rob Howard thing solid. The Libre top three may 8 37 James Cuthbertson have crossed the finishing line in the 9 500 Rob Davis L 21:22.212 10 69 Tony Le May

same order as the day before, but 11 474 Josh Evans L

that didn’t tell the whole story. 12 616 Justin Cooper L

Cooper and Davis initially traded the dnf 83 Colin Peacock 8 laps class lead in a thoroughly absorbing dnf 44 Darren Moon 7 dnf 85 Sam Summerhayes 6 dice with Le May’s Miglia. However, dnf 20 Mark Sims 4 the recovering Evans – after another dnf 113 Phil Harvey L 3 dnf 45 Chris Morgan 0 early delay avoiding a spinning car - gradually reeled in and passed them ns 17 Rick Jessop ns 177 Peter Crewes L all, before Davis got back past as ns 64 Alex Osborne Evans’ overworked tyres lost grip. wd 126 Peter Hills L

Harvey meanwhile had managed to FL M J Thompson (mostly) straighten out Saturday’s 1:33.326 - 81.97 mph (record) rear-end damage but a water leak FL L J Evans 1:35.465 - 80.13 mph (record) brought him into the pits after 3 Pole M L Deegan laps. The even cooler air tempera- Pole L J Evans

ture no doubt aided Thompson in 2.125-mile National circuit

Photos: P Waller + mbracephotography.co.uk + P Waller Photos: Photos: P Waller + mbracephotography.co.uk + P Waller Photos:

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 RACERACE REPORT:REPORT: Croft...Croft...... RACE...RACE REPORT:REPORT: CroftCroft

National Rd 2 14 April 2019...... National Rd 2 14 April 2019

BurgerBurger meistermeister

Another pot for Scott

Photos: P Waller Photos: Photos: P Waller Photos: or the final Mini race we were pace, and when the chequered flag before. Behind them, Wanstall and in a row, while a misfire frustrated back up to 21 starters, with was waved after 11 laps it was Burg- Thomas overcame a clash at the O’Brien’s progress, despite finishing F only Hunt’s car missing. Sadly, er who secured his maiden victory in Sunnys section to complete the top ahead of novice Bryan, another we were soon to lose another be- the formula by just 0.133s after a 6, the former having swapped en- sensible learning drive from him. fore the race really got going, a safe- superb performance to get ahead gines overnight. Roberts was with Chappell pitted for good on lap 6 ● ty car slowing the pack for a few and stay there. Thompson’s second them throughout to take 7th. Grae- RW laps while Shearing’s S-Class was place was enough to take the series me Davis had also put in a spare unit RESULT: towed out of the barriers at the kink lead, as Jeff Smith edged out Wight- and this time made it to the flag in Race 2 Se7en / S-Class 11 Laps before Sunny In, heavily damaged at man for third, the latter delighted to 9th overall, with Deviny recovering the rear but with the wheels at least record a strong finish and further from a late clash when in the lead 1 28 Dom Burger 21:33.302 2 4 Joe Thompson rolling straight. Thereafter the lower Thompson’s 1-day-old lap squabble to salvage 9th in class. 3 35 Jeff Smith Se7ens’ lead battle was on record record, having non-started the day Hopper and Proctor had a close 4 0 Leon Wightman battle for 13th, with Robinson in 5 2 Spencer Wanstall 6 20 Darren Thomas 17th happy to bring it to the flag in 7 94 Lee Roberts one piece despite the handling still 8 708 Scott Kendall S 21:47.541 to be fully sorted. Once again, D&P 9 22 Graeme Davis 10 77 Andrew Deviny team tenacity saw Woodbridge back 11 706 Jo Polley S out of the pitlane near the end to 12 736 Thorburn Astin S claim a finish having pitted when 13 38 Steven Hopper 14 95 Julian Proctor running well in midfield. In S-Class, 15 795 Stuart Gilby S honours again fell to Kendall by a 16 787 Connor O’Brien S 17 63 Dave Robinson clear margin, and with an even 18 733 James Bryan S quicker lap time, but the chase be- 19 39 Glen Woodbridge 10 laps

hind saw a great effort from Thor- dnf 796 Mark Chappell S 5 laps burn Astin - up from the back row dnf 760 Jack Shearing S 0

after a DNS on Saturday - who ns 37 Gareth Hunt

looked on for second in class before FL 7 L Wightman further gearbox issues allowed Pol- 1:43.056 - 74.23 mph (record) ley to snatch back the place. After FL S S Kendall 1:44.892 - 72.93 mph (record) two seasons of the ‘It Can Only Get Pole 7 D Thomas Better’ award, Gilby’s luck appears Pole S S Kendall

to be on the up with a second finish 2.125-mile circuit

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

GALLERY:GALLERY: Croft...Croft...

Photos: P Waller + M Jackson + P Waller Photos: Photos: P Waller + M Jackson + P Waller Photos:

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

GALLERY:GALLERY: Croft...Croft...... GALLERY:...GALLERY: CroftCroft

Photos: P Waller + M Jackson + P Waller Photos: Photos: P Waller + M Jackson + P Waller Photos:

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SponsorSponsor ofof thethe MiniMini 77 RacingRacing ClubClub 20192019 RaceRace TrophyTrophy AwardsAwards www.curleyuk.comwww.curleyuk.com [email protected]@curleyuk.com 0189201892 730948730948

Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

TROPHY TALES

Photos: M7RC Archive Archive M7RC Photos: THE PETER TISDALE TheThe M7RC M7RC has has established established TROPHY PLATE former M7RC Chairman who manymany awards awards over over six six dec- dec- also raced for several seasons A too during the 1980s, Peter’s ades;ades; herehere wewe recountrecount anoth-anoth- name adorns what is actually a silver- ware salver, for the Best Turned Out Mini Miglia. With Slough Road & erer finefine silverwaresilverware selection...selection... Race Parts backing adorning his early race cars, along with the similar THE FRED JACKSON versions of Mark Humphrey and Andy Mezulis, the SRRP/FUMin- MEMORIAL TROPHY named cars certainly turned heads with their multi-shade colour schemes, oth Mike and Alan Jackson and so around this time the idea came about to recognise the efforts of a need very little introduction, car builder or team in preparing a Miglia that stood out from the rest on B the West Midlands-based the grid. Mind you, despite the attention to detail, a couple of Peter’s once brothers a permanent fixture in the immaculate-looking cars still ended up as write-offs following heavy rolls, M7RC paddocks, hosting the Club at Combe and Lydden, as current Membership Secretary Barry Payne re- stand and generally being on hand members clearly - he was a mechanic on them! Peter handed over the to help keep the show on the road. reins of the Club in the late-1980s and moved to Cornwall with wife Kathy, In their early Mini racing days, from later becoming mayor in his local parish. Rumour has it he still owns the around 1976, the Jackson team last Miglia he raced, at the Mini 30th Birthday meeting, held at Silverstone would be overseen by dad Fred, in 1989... ● always helping out with setting up the tent, sorting tools for the race THE PHIL WEST car or keeping a kettle on the ready for a needy brew, either for his sons or a neighbouring race team - Fred TROPHY SHIELD very much represented the ethos of Club racing, and in particular the his award is something a little friendliness of the M7RC in welcoming new members to the fold. When he different to the majority of passed on to the great ‘Mini paddock in the sky’, around the same time as T shiny metal trophies, being a the Mini creator himself, Sir Alec Issigonis, there could have been no more wooden shield-shaped base on fitting tribute than an elegant bowl-design trophy to recognise a Club which an array of smaller metal member, or members, who greatly contribute to the running of the M7RC shields are mounted, each with one with its ongoing appeal and friendly nature ● or more winner’s names etched into them. Like the equivalent THE CHRIS INCH Miglia plate award, this shield is in recognition of the Best Turned Out MEMORIAL TROPHY Mini Se7en, and first came about in he fable about ‘the tortoise the 1980s. Many a hard-toiling car and the hare’ is the classic builder, mechanic or driver back-up T example that a race winner team has deserved to share in this accolade of a particularly eye-catching isn’t necessarily always the out-and- race machine. As one of that select band of technically able helpers who out quickest on the day. However, ensure a race Mini is in the best condition possible, Phil West was a well- even if a driver misses out on the top known face in the M7RC paddock for many seasons, as he was a regular step of the podium, recognition of fixture behind the neatly prepared Mini Se7ens of Peter Allen before the an individual’s ‘perfect’ lap to travel latter moved up to Mini Miglias. Sadly Phil is no longer with us but his en- round a circuit faster than anyone terprising spirit lives on in this highly regarded award ● else has always held great cachet in motorsport circles. Lap records can be found for nearly every Mini Se7en and Miglia race held, but only from Look out for around the early 1980s did the M7RC add them all up at the end of further trophy each season to see who had been quickest over a race lap more times tidbits in the next than anyone else. Having been a competitive racer in the Leyland Mini 1275 GT Challenge, ironically Chris Inch never quite achieved a M7RC fast- edition of... est lap to his name but, following his untimely death from a heart attack while qualifying at Castle Combe in 1980, the Most Fastest Laps in the Challenges would become a fitting tribute for a dedicated Club racer who was also well known as an A-Series engine builder of some repute. His Pit & tuning skills continue today through son Paul Inch, himself a Miglia racer in Pit & 1982/83, and later in the MM 1.3i race series, thus continuing the family association with Minis and with the aim of trying to make them go faster Paddock than anyone else ● Paddock

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Why join the Mini7 Racing Club?

eceive these full - colour newsletters R before and after every race weekend, packed with all the latest race reports, pictures, technical updates and much, much more! Get them via email or directly to your phone - it couldn’t be simpler, s o why not join today..?!

[email protected] www.mini7.co.uk

Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 ABOUT US

About… The Mini 7 Racing Club ver since the first Formula Mini-7 race at Brands Hatch in 1966, the Mini 7 Racing Club has always been a favourite for race commenta- E tors and spectators alike. The race cars offer excellent performance for money, challenging many of today’s more modern car formulae for overall pace. The Se7ens and Miglias are guaranteed to offer overtaking, due to equally matched machinery but mainly to the rather un- aerodynamic body that gives the car behind a straightline advantage. Off the track, the Club has a very friendly atmosphere with willingness to help new members become acquainted with the ‘tricks of the trade’ and where to get the best advice. Most drivers and supporters stay at the circuit for the weekend races, giving an ideal opportunity to discuss the racing. The cars are ideal for the engineering enthusiast as although the rules strictly stipulate what can be modified on the car, they are specified so that devel- opment of the car can be achieved within a tight budget. If you are inter- ested in starting racing, the best advice is to come to a race and chat, then Mini Se7en buy yourself an already built car as this is by far the most economic route. ow in its sixth decade, the Mini Se7en Challenge has been provid- ing great racing at an affordable price. Since 1991 the Se7ens have Mini 7 Racing History N been using a modified 998cc -A Series engine and the 650kg Minis can reach 60mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of around 110mph. Run- he UK's longest running one-make motor racing championship was ning on treaded racing Dunlop rubber the cars stick to the road like the introduced in 1966 as Formula Mini-7; restricted tuning 850 engines, proverbial go-kart! control tyres, designed for low-budget racers starting out. It was the T brainwave of the original Mini 7 Club (then a social/racing society, mainly for the Mini) and the 750 Motor club (the pioneers of low-cost motor- Mini-7 S-Class sport). In 1970, Formula Mini-7 became just Mini Se7en when Mini ‘Mille’ he Mini-7 S-Class is aimed at Miglia was introduced; 1000cc, twin choke, less restricted tuning, wide drivers on a budget. Whether slick tyres, and primarily for Mini Se7eners wishing to progress or for the T you’re a complete novice or generally more experienced saloon racer. Then in 1976 both were re- an experienced driver returning to named Mini 850 and Mini 1000, as British Leyland, in conjunction with the racing, the S-Class is a feeder series now re-structured Mini 7 Racing Club, came up with a third, more high- to Mini Se7en. With modifications profile series for Mini 1275GTs; this lasted five seasons before being super- and improvements strictly limited seded by Metros but that's another story… The basic Mini Se7en format to the 1275cc engines, the budget remained unchanged for nigh on 25 years before an increase in engine size for a season in an S-Class car is go- to 1000cc in 1991. What with the 850cc engine ceasing production in the ing to be more affordable. The Gra- early 1980s, replacement parts became harder to source and the fact that ham Hill Trophy is awarded to the leading Under-17-year-old too. engines were incredibly highly stressed, the adoption of the more durable, milder-tuned 1000cc made sense. In line with the prevailing green issue there was a switch to unleaded fuel too, and to differentiate the two for- Mini Libre mulae once more, the sister Miglia series made the jump to 1300cc power ntroduced in 2017, Mini Libre is in 1994. One final interesting statistic is the drivers: close to 2000 names a semi-invitational ‘Free Formu- appear on the rollcall over 50+ years; that averages out to nearly 40 new I la’ category running on the back drivers per season… What other single-make race series can claim this of the Miglia grid. Catering for origi- strong support over such a long period? nal-shaped racing Minis, cars may utilise any A-Series block and gear- Mini Miglia box, run on 10in wheels and man- or performance, the Mini Miglia is top of the Mini 7 Racing Club lad- datory Dunlop tyres. Success ballast der. With a modified 1293cc A-Series engine, the 660kg Mini is pro- may be added. The ‘Special Tuning’ pelled from 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds and onto a top speed of trophy is awarded to the overall F winner ● around 125mph. On the slick Dunlop rubber the handling is everything you would expect from a Mini and much, much more! www.mini7.co.uk

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

From theAA rchivesrchives From the

ThruxtonThruxton

RESULT: 11 June (BARC)

Mini Miglia National Rd 7 10 Laps

(ran with Mini Se7en)

1 3 Myk Cable 16:22.84

2 5 Mark Jones

3 101 Jeremy Wheatley 4 106 Tony Parker 5 88 Steve Harris 30 yearsyears ago:ago: 19891989 6 144 John Percy 30 7 30 Peter Calver 8 11 Eamonn Moran IN THE 15-ROUND NATIONAL of the 10 starters finished. Steve Cooper Mini Miglia champion-elect, Myk 9 181 Chris Harris was easily the best from a battling Rob Cable (above), won both races at the 10 17 Brian Jones CALENDAR, THE M7RC VISITED 11 65 Keith Vinycomb Selby and Neil Johnson. Eian Riddiford Hampshire venue THRUXTON TWICE, AND BOTH 12 28 Derek Wells almost beat them from a lowly grid posi- Photo: I Fraser Collection 13 506 Brian Kippax WERE COMBINED RACES... tion but was lapped by Cable at just the M7RC Yearbook contained everything 14 108 Mark Stokes wrong moment, leaving his rivals to do the Mini racer needed to know (below) 15 135 Tony Smith 9 laps

another lap ● National Mini Miglia: 11 June dnf 99 Mick Best 8 laps report courtesy Motoring News * full info in M7RC Archive 1989 issue National Mini Se7en: 11 June dnf 67 Tony Foreman 6 dnf 4 Ian Gunn 5 dnf 6 Gareth Mellin 4 Collectively dnf 155 Paul Oates 2 dnf 501 Tim Wager 1 dnf 89 Peter Allen 1 Cable; Cooper’s dnf 73 Richard Pile 1 dnf 500 Richard Wager 0

got class ns 219 Richard Colburn ns 110 Steve Holtom WITH A COMBINED race for the flat ns 111 Chris Tyrrell -out thrash around the high speed ns 104 Paul Makepeace

Hampshire track, the full-to-bursting FL M Cable grid was somewhat skewed in favour of 1:36.78 - 87.63 mph the Miglias. Despite the packed field, the race was not quite up there with Mini Se7en National Rd 7 10 Laps the best, Myk Cable taking a relatively (ran with Mini Miglia)

calm overall victory in the 1-litres, 1 31 Steve Cooper 17:45.42 likewise Steve Cooper in the depleted 2 24 Rob Selby 850 class 3 16 Neil Johnson 4 64 Eian Riddiford 9 laps combined Mini Seven & Mini 5 14 Mike Jackson Miglia event followed the dnf 94 Dan Wheeler 6 laps A FF1600 curtain raiser but the dnf 586 Dave Braggins 4 action was not really up to the usual Mini dnf 10 Dave Banwell 1 standard. In the 1-litre section that went dnf 121 Bill Boyle 1 away from the grid first, Myk Cable and dnf 103 Keith Broom 0

Mark Jones set the pace and soon pulled ns 70 Guy Sims clear of a squabble between Ian Gunn, ns 38 Bill Sollis* Steve Harris, Jeremy Wheatley, Gareth ns 75 Paul Brown Mellin and Tony Parker. Cable pulled away ns 43 Marcus Wragg from Jones over the first half of the ns 38 Nigel Muskett* race to take a relatively untroubled win, ns 76 Shaun Bugner ns 85 Graham Hatfield Jones trailing by 3 seconds, a long way in ns 98 Julie Armstrong Mini racing! Wheatley asserted himself in ns 2 Bill Sollis* (ran as #38) third from Parker and Harris who rubbed wheel arches at the chicane on the penul- FL R Selby 1:44.81 - 80.92 mph timate lap. The Mini Seven half of the race was even more subdued and only 5 2.356-mile circuit

22

Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

Mike Jackson (left) won the thrilling

Mini Se7en class battle in the

AArchivesrchives 8 October combined race Photo: M&A Jackson Collection / From the From the Ferret Fotographics (S Jones)

M7RC stickers and landmark anniver- sary T-shirts were very popular ThruxtonThruxton

(below middle); Austin Rover Mini

Challenge sticker was a mandatory

item (below)

* full info in M7RC Archive 1989 issue

RESULT: 8 October (BARC)

Mini Miglia National Rd 15 10 Laps

(run with Mini Se7en)

1 1 Myk Cable 16:24.11

2 506 Brian Kippax

3 14 Ian Gunn

4 6 Gareth Mellin 5 101 Jeremy Wheatley 6 269 Sean Tierney yearsyears ago:ago: 19891989 7 155 Paul Oates 3030 8 95 Phil Harvey 9 74 Jamie Coles 10 19 Bev Comber ...THE PROPOSED 1000CC UNIT off on the first lap of the Miglia battle, the kerbs to let Jackson past, who then 11 73 Richard Pile TO REPLACE THE SE7EN 850CC Richard Wager took the lead only to pull held off a tremendous challenge from 12 55 Ken Lyne off two laps later. This left Gareth Mellin the resurgent Grady ● 13 5 Mark Jones 9 laps ENGINE WAS RACE-TESTED AT THE CHALLENGE FINALE at the front, but pressure from Myk report courtesy Autoport dnf 111 Chris Tyrrell 7 laps

Cable, coming through the field after a dnf 106 Tony Parker 5 National Mini Miglia: 8 Oct’ poor start, saw him claw his way past for dnf 108 Mark Stokes 4 dnf 500 Richard Wager 3 National Mini Se7en: 8 Oct’ the win. In the Mini 7s, Michael Jackson took a thriller of a race, a non-stop dice dnf 99 Mick Best 2 dnf 89 Peter Allen 0 with Steve Cooper, Russell Grady and Cable is the Neil Johnson. It was Grady’s turn to lead ns 501 Tim Wager into the Chicane on lap 8, but he clipped ns 505 Peter Sainsbury Champion; ns 135 Tony Smith ns 277 Gerard D’Amato ns 30 Peter Calver Jackson passes ns 11 Eamonn Moran ns 10 Steve Holtom

the test FL G Mellin 1:36.68 - 87.72 mph ANOTHER MIXED race to close the National season, with action aplenty to Mini Se7en National Rd 15 10 Laps keep the crowd on their toes - in (run with Mini Miglia)

Miglias, Myk Cable underlined his title- 1 4 Mike Jackson 17:20.58 winning year with a close win, while 2 64 Russell Grady* (1000cc) Mike Jackson won the pulsating Se7en 3 3 Steve Cooper class from Russell Grady’s test mule 4 16 Neil Johnson 5 70 Guy Sims ext up were the Minis, the 6 43 Marcus Wragg Mig|ias and Mini 7s having sepa- 7 586 Dave Braggins N rate races, but sharing the 8 51 Paul Stafford track. With poleman Peter Allen pulling 9 66 Terry Pryce 9 laps 10 169 Steve Hart 9 11 2 Bill Sollis 7

dnf 24 Rob Selby 5 laps dnf 110 Dave Banwell 5 dnf 57 Frank Gillibrand 2 dnf 127 Steve Martin 2

ns 121 Bill Boyle ns 64 Eian Riddiford*

FL M Jackson 1:41.76 - 83.34 mph (record)

2.356-mile circuit

23

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Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

RESULT: 11 March (BARC)

Mini 850 National Rd 1 8 Laps rchives AArchives 1 5 Patrick Watts 14:48.66

FromFrom thethe 2 2 Graham Woskett 3 3 Jim McDougall 4 1 Stephen Hall ThruxtonThruxton 5 3 Chris Tyrrell

6 22 Gary Hall

7 11 Reg Armstrong

8 82 Francis Taylor

9 71 Bob Paige

10 7 Julian Cutler

11 17 Roy Finlay

12 52 Nick Baily

13 64 Gary Coles

14 10 John Love

15 15 Martin Goodall

16 16 Viv Church

17 35 Barry Stockford 7 laps

18 57 Paul Castaldini

19 53 Graham Hobbs

dnf 55 John Williams 1 lap

dnf 80 Norman Allen 1

dnf 8 Russell Grady 1

dnf 89 Peter Allen 0

ns 36 Tom Hurn

ns 37 Johnny Thorne

ns 26 Julian Affleck ns 29 John Price

ns 30 Terry Hudson ns 42 Nigel Gaymer ns 88 Chris Winter 40 yearsyears ago:ago: 19791979 40 ns 91 Robert Bradley

FL G Woskett whilst Wallaker spun away down the field. A PACKED SCHEDULE FOUR National Mini 1000: 1 April 1:46.83 - 79.39 mph Nix led on the third until Club - he re- DECADES AGO SAW NO LESS joined in fifth behind Abbott, Spurling, THAN FIVE VISITS DIVIDED Gaymer gains RESULT: 1 April (BARC) Gaymer and Dobson. Undeterred he tried BETWEEN THE 3 MINI SERIES Mini 1000 National Rd 1 8 Laps

two laps later at Seagrave and nearly National Mini 850: 11 March an advantage became part of the armco! Meanwhile, 1 3 Paul Gaymer 14:56.6 Heaney was working his way up the lead- 2 27 Freddy Heaney A WET TRACK and last race of the ing bunch and Abbott his way down, so at 3 2 Roland Nix Watts on day was no deterrent to some good 4 6 Chris Dobson the finish it was Gaymer, Heaney, Nix, racing, with Paul Gaymer leading home 5 8 David Abbott Dobson and Abbott ● a competitive Mini 1000 field around 6 5 Derek May current form report courtesy Motoring News 7 23 John Meale the fast Hampshire circuit 8 7 Mike Wallaker THE OPENING Mini 850 Challenge Even the battle for last place in Mini he track was awash for the Mini 9 60 Martin Guidery of the season gave spectators the 850 was a humdinger, with Stockford, 10 14 Rick Cutting race. From the flag the field customary exciting battle throughout, Castaldini and Hobbs dodging the 11 55 John Mitchell took off gingerly, David Abbott victory going to Patrick Watts as his T kerbs (top); David Abbott leads the 12 75 David Huck 7 laps leading with Chris Dobson, Phil Spurling, Mini 1000s on a soaking track (below) rivals slipped up 13 28 Peter Calver Paul Gaymer, Mike Wallaker, Roland Nix Photos: J Parish Collection / Ferret 14 38 Keith Vinycomb typically closely-contested Mini Fotographics (J Gaisford) 15 43 Jeff Vowles and Freddy Heaney forming an orderly 16 44 Roy Kwei 850 Challenge race featured a queue. On lap two Nix moved up to third * full info in M7RC Archive 1979 issue thrilling battle for the lead be- 17 85 David Collins A 18 58 Richard Belcher 6 laps tween Chris Tyrrell, Graham Woskett, reigning Champion Stephen Hall, Patrick dnf 1 Phil Spurling 7 laps Watts and Jim McDougall. Tyrrell dnf 26 Colin Beckwith 3 seemed to have broken away slightly on dnf 73 Nick Lemon 3 lap 3, but a huge slide at the chicane on dnf 18 Bob Addison 2 dnf 68 Tony Wilson 1 the following lap enabled both Watts and dnf 4 Mike Fry 0 Woskett to pass. Then, a couple of laps later, both Woskett and Tyrrell spun in ns 15 Mike Curnow separate directions at the chicane and ns 29 Mike Timbrell ns 46 Chris Hampshire Watts was given the chance that he ns 47 David Povey needed to break away and score a good ns 52 Tony Edmonds victory with his Longman-tuned car. ns 78 Brian Hill Woskett somehow regained the ground ns 17 Andy Devine lost during his spin and clambered back ns 25 Robin Morris ns 49 Bob Sayer up to second position with McDougall, Hall and Tyrrell all finishing within a couple of FL F Heaney seconds ● 1:46.9 - 79.34 mph

report courtesy Autosport 2.356-mile circuit

25

Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

the chicane together’ that sent him head first into the banking at high speed. The AArchivesrchives car was badly damaged but the driver was alright ● FromFrom thethe report courtesy Motoring News ThruxtonThruxton The early battle for third in the Mini

1275 GT race on 27 August (left)

Typical chicane antics in Mini 850s -

Gary Coles avoids the spun car of Bob

Paige (below)

Photos: J Parish Collection / Ferret

Fotographics (J Gaisford)

* full info in M7RC Archive 1979 issue

RESULT: 28 May (BARC)

Mini 850 National Rd 7 12 Laps

1 8 Russell Grady 22:18.26

2 42 Nigel ‘Boot’ Gaymer

3 2 Graham ‘Gramps’ Woskett

4 52 Nick Baily

5 3 Chris Tyrrell

6 35 Steve Taylor

7 81 Tim Lester

8 89 Peter Allen 9 16 Viv Church 10 72 Richard Hamlyn 11 74 David Mabbutt yearsyears ago:ago: 19791979 4040 12 60 Mike Rudd 13 53 Graham Hobbs 14 28 Chris Gould battles down the field. Patrick Watts day’s racing, with Steve Harris scoring WHILE THE MINI 850 HORDES 15 82 Francis Taylor HAD TWO NATIONAL RACES was the initial leader before slipping another close victory over points leader 16 30 Terry Hudson IN HAMPSHIRE, THE 1275 GT down to sixth and retiring; Jim McDou- Steve Soper 17 15 Martin Goodall

gall then assumed the lead, but his Min 18 93 11 laps SERIES MADE JUST THE ONE s the warm sun gradually fell expired at the Complex with much steam 19 61 Edward Wells VISIT, IN AUGUST towards Salisbury Plain the 20 36 Tom Hurn emanating from beneath the bonnet. The winner, then, was Russell Grady, who had Austin/Morris 1275 GTs came 21 57 Paul Castaldini National Mini 850: 28 May A out for the last race. Just 12 started, 22 97 Brian Allan 10 been in the hunt throughout, but was still a mere 2.6 secs ahead of the battling but it takes only two cars to make a race dnf 91 Robert Bradley 10 laps Grady makes Nigel Gaymer and Graham Woskett. Nick and this is just what Steve Harris and dnf 9 Jim McDougall 10 Baily finished a rather lonely fourth ● Steve Soper did, thrilling the large crowd dnf 11 Reg Armstrong 10 dnf 22 Gary Hall 9 report courtesy Autosport with the dice of the day. The red and the grade dnf 94 Gareth Mellin 8 yellow Minis were bumper to bumper for dnf 12 Eric Groves 6 National Mini 1275GT: 27 Aug’ the ten laps, the yellow car of Harris IT WAS good to see the Mini 850 dnf 80 Norman Allen 5 Challenge runners given a chance to taking the win as they crossed the line. dnf 5 Patrick Watts 4 shine on television for their 12 lapper - Harris’ third Peter Baldwin, in his third race of the dnf 83 John Knight 3 and while the battle for the lead was day, was third, well down but safely ns 10 John Love never exactly heart stopping the little home, which was more than six others ns 29 John Price tin-tops certainly kept the crowd en- of the season managed! Most spectacular retirement ns 70 John Bailey

tertained in the first race of the af- was produced by Graham Wenham, who A THRILLING two-car lead battle in FL G Hall ternoon… came off worst in a five-car ‘let’s all try the Mini 1275 GT race concluded the 1:48.45 - 78.21 mph

he BARC programmed only three events in support of their first RESULT: 27 August (BARC)

Aurora round of the year, the Mini 1275GT National Rd 12 10 Laps T first of these - a round of the Austin 1 12 Steve Harris 16:42.4 Morris Mini 850 Challenge - also sched- 2 3 Steve Soper uled to be televised live - 850 Mins in the 3 9 Peter Baldwin wet certainly bring a new meaning to the 4 20 Chris Lewis word understeer and the number of 5 18 Nigel Bridger excursions from the normal noted on the 6 14 Melvyn Johnson

incident sheet was considerable. Star of dnf 7 Rob Lodge 7 laps the 12-lapper was undoubtedly Chris dnf 4 John Hopwood 6 Tyrrell, running second in the champion- dnf 26 Chris Inch 6 ship before Monday’s round. Starting dnf 27 Malcolm Harrison 4 from a back row grid position, he was dnf 5 Paul Taft 0 dnf 11 Grham Wenham 0 halfway through the field within two or three laps and up to fifth by the cheq- FL: S Soper uered flag. While his progress was im- 1:39.0 - 85.67 mph (record)

pressive, however, there were many close 2.356-mile circuit

26

Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

place and finished only 0.5 sec down on the winner. Keith Padmore took third AArchivesrchives spot, having literally barged Geoff Robson out of the way at the chicane FromFrom thethe on lap 7, with Tony Edmonds also demoting Robson before the finish to ThruxtonThruxton take fourth ●

report courtesy Autosport

Peter Allen won the Mini 850 class in

the Graham Hill Trophy race (left)

Photos: J Parish Collection / Ferret

Fotographics (J Gaisford)

Mini 1000s entertained up front;

Geoff Robson trims the chicane (below)

Photo: courtesy Motoring News

* full info in M7RC Archive 1979 issue

RESULT: 3 November (BARC)

GRAHAM HILL MEMORIAL TROPHY

Mini 1000 Rd 8 8 Laps

(run with Mini 850)

1 44 Roy Kwei 14:32.53

2 38 Keith Vinycomb

3 56 Keith Padmore

4 52 Tony Edmonds

5 94 Geoff Robson

6 23 John Meale 7 28 Peter Calver 4040 yearsyears ago:ago: 19791979 8 81 John Heathcock 9 69 Charles Hill 10 73 Nick Lemon THE GRAHAM HILL MEMORIAL was miles ahead of class champion ing very close at the flag, was Keith 11 85 David Collins TROPHY, A THIRD M7RC CHAM- Tim Lester for the smaller capacity Vinycomb, who put in a storming drive 12 96 Bryan Slark 13 86 Tim Cockle PIONSHIP, WAS AIMED MORE class win after a first-lap spin at the complex. The Stoke Mandeville driver resumed in 11th 14 68 Tony Wilson FOR NOVICES AND THOSE NOT he Graham Hill Memorial Trophy 15 89 Keith Calver 7 laps position but then carved his way through AMONG THE FRONTRUNNERS Mini race kept the reasonably- the field most impressively - his fastest dnf 29 Mike Timbrell 4 laps sized crowd happy, although Roy IN THE NATIONAL CHALLENG- lap was almost 3 secs better than anyone dnf 53 John Simpson 1 T Kwei edged away at the front, and took ES; ENTRIES WERE FULL TOO ! else! In fourth place as he started the ns 70 Nick Skegg a good win. Behind him though, and com- last lap, Vinycomb moved up into second ns 84 Pat Ingold Graham Hill Trophy: 3 Nov’ ns 32 Paul Meale

FL K Vinycomb That’s the 1:44.38 - 81.26 mph

Mini 850 Rd 8 8 Laps Kwei to do it; (run with Mini 1000)

1 189 Peter Allen 14:51.61 Allen’s ahead 2 181 Tim Lester 3 153 Graham Hobbs 4 186 Dick Hannay in 850s 5 161 Edward Wells 6 191 Robert Bradley A PACKED Graham Hill Trophy grid 7 102 Alan Lawrence provided a good spectacle, with Roy Kwei having just enough in hand over an dnf 105 Glenville Harrington 5 laps dnf 126 Julian Affleck 4 inspired Keith Vinycomb for the Mini dnf 172 Richard Hamlyn 3 1000 victory, and Tony Edmonds’ dnf 146 Dave Facer 2 fourth place enough for the title, while dnf 157 Paul Castaldini 2 in the Mini 850 category Peter Allen ns 122 Gary Hall ns 160 Mike Hurd must not have won (their) class in the National Mini series, or be ns 193 John Barnard More Graham Hill Minis ns 138 Stuart Smith considered a ‘senior’ driver by the Committee of the Mini Se7en he Graham Hill Memorial Mini championship will be run Racing Club. These rules ensure that ‘junior’ drivers or those gain- ns 100 John Lambe ns 132 Andrew Gurnham again in 1979 over eight rounds and with classes for 850 ing experience only will be eligible although, if grid spaces permit, ns 137 Johnny Thorne and 1000cc cars. Designed primarily for novices, the other non-scoring drivers may be permitted to start. The best T ns 163 Tony Tapley regulations are the same as those for the Austin-Morris Mini seven results of any one competitor will be deemed as (their) total points score and points will be scored on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3 ns 173 Mark Goldsworthy Challenge with the exception that any make of 10-inch tyre may be run. Competitors must be members of the Mini Se7en Club; basis for the first eight finishers with two points to all other FL: P Allen registered for the Austin-Morris championship; must not have finishers and one to all other starters. These points will be award- 1:49.53 - 77.44 mph finished in the top 10 of the National championship for the past ed in both classes. 2.356-mile circuit two years, must never have won a National Mini Challenge race; courtesy Autosport

27

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● Mini Se7en bids farewell to the 850cc engine...

plus

● Going green on unleaded fuel as RoverSport raises the image...

Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

Tigering Tonys! Parsons and Halse entertaining at Thruxton in the conso- lation race; note race numbers hastily AArchivesrchives added (left) - permanent numbers FromFrom thethe didn’t catch on until the Leyland- backed years from 1976 onwards

ThruxtonThruxton On his way to 4th in the main race (below), Willie Dick’s Poglespeed Mini

entrant was one Steve Neal, founder

of the Rimstock 100+ alloy wheel co.

Photos: M7RC Archive (M Magee)

Programme cover shows race organiser

as Mini Se7en Club (middle)

* full info in M7RC Archive 1969 issue

RESULT: 27 April (M7C)

FM-7 National Rd 1 8 Laps

1 161 Paul Gaymer 14:22.2

2 162 Graham Wenham

3 147 Mike Rope

4 185 Willie Dick

5 171 John Digby

6 175 Mick Jones 7 186 Graham Hows 5050 yearsyears ago:ago: 19691969 8 163 Clive Trickey 9 182 Ian Scott 10 169 Mike Smith NEARLY 50 CARS SHOWED FOR of a coming together at the exit which re-asserting himself by a slick piece of 11 173 Geoff Gilkes THE OPENING NATIONAL resulted in bits of body trim flying high driving when he shot through the inside 12 172 Michael Collard 13 137 Len Brammer from a screen of blue smoke, but, mirac- at the entry to the chicane on the last CHALLENGE ROUND, MORE 14 178 Evan Pringle THAND ENOUGH TO CREATE A ulously, all continued. Eventually Rope lap. Fox kept a trying Roger Emerson 15 165 Mike De Boeck 7 laps found himself some space and motored (Mayfield Mini) at bay throughout and FINAL AND CONSOLATION 16 183 Gideon Lloyd less breathlessly to third spot, while the crowds were entertained in a lighter 17 168 Paul Beckham fourth place was decided at the 11th vein by the chicane antics of Tony Halse Formula Mini-7: 27 April dnf 140 Trevor Moore hour when Dick ousted Digby. (Austin Mini) who persistently endeav- dnf 167 Terry Ross

oured to straighten the thing out ● dnf 170 John Flack Open season... 50cc Saloons: Again the pole man reports courtesy Motoring News dnf 174 Danny Crosbie dominated things from flag to flag, HORDES OF Mini-7s turned up for dnf 180 Brian Ashley this time in the person of Roger the championship opener, with reserves dnf 184 Maurice Watts 8 Friend (Morris Mini) to lead Dennis Fer- getting a run in with the Free Formula FL P Gaymer nie (Morris Mini) and John Thompson 850cc event; Paul Gaymer belied his 1:45.6 - 80.32 mph (Morris Mini) handsomely by Campbell; newcomer status with a fine overall win bringing up the rear was the usual hotly in the main championship race FM-7 Consolation 8 Laps jostling gang trying their utmost to screw (run with Free Formula) ormula Mini Se7en: The name of into a high spot, prime contenders in this 1 135 Dennis Fernie* 14.39.6 this race was the Synthetic Pub- category were Bernard Lingard (Mini), 2 207 Bernard Lingard F licity Trophy, but with 28 howling Bob Fox (Oselli Mini), Tony Parsons 3 173 Bob Fox Mini Sevens battling furiously there was (Austin Mini) and Roger Widgery 4 201 Rodger Widgery nothing synthetic about the excitement. (Dunvale Mini). Fernie gradually eased 5 206 Anthony Parsons Paul Gaymer (Austin) took an immediate away from Thompson who was caught and 6 202 Anthony Halse 7 145 Ray Kortlang lead of five lengths over Graham Wen- overtaken by Lingard on the fifth lap, and 8 205 Peter Shepherd ham (Morris) which he contrived to hold this simple happening started a battle 9 149 Mick Bowring by virtue of a creditable turn of speed royal between these two happy lads 10 204 Richard Walden on the faster stretches despite some which culminated in Thompson 11 208 Ian French 7 laps stirring manoeuvres by Wenham as he dnf 203 David Chester sought to narrow the gap at the Chicane and through the twists of Campbell, Cobb ns 187 Tony Banfield ns 188 John Holloway and Seagrave. The right to occupy third ns 189 Brian Coles place became a five-cornered tussle ns 190 Martin Mounsey involving John Digby, Mick Jones ns 191 Mick Osborne (Morris), Michael Rope (Claydon Mini), ns 135 Chris Tyrrell* Clive Trickey in the Cars and Car ns 164 Roger Colson Conversions car and Willie Dick ns 166 Mark Shaw ns 176 Roger Layzell (Poglespeed Mini); at one historic point in ns 177 Viv Church the proceedings the whole gaggle tried to ns 179 Jim Burrows negotiate the chicane line abreast, Trick- ns 181 Alan Reardon ey and Dick were leaning heavily on each FL B Lingard other right through to the start line, and 1:47.8 - 78.68 mph when a repeat of the trick was attempt- ed on the next lap there was something 2.356-mile circuit

29

Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

AArchiverchive ROLLROLL OFOF HONOURHONOUR LibraryLibrary TheThe ChampionsChampions NATIONAL MINI SE7EN *Overall Champion Award: MINI-7 S-CLASS 1966 Bob Fox Rover Mini Cooper to the 2006 Tristen Knight 1967 Bob Fox Champion with highest points. 2007 Nathan Burge 1968 Mick Osborne 2008 Nathan Burge NATIONAL MINI MIGLIA 1969 Paul Gaymer 2009 Julian Affleck 1970 Mick Osborne 1970 Len Brammer 2010 Julian Affleck 1971 Len Brammer 1971 Graham Wenham 2011 Julian Affleck 1972 Mick Osborne 1972 Reg Armstrong 2012 Julian Proctor 1973 Phil Spurling 1973 Mick Moss 2013 Julian Proctor 1974 Russell Dell 1974 Chris Tyrrell 2014 Shaun Tarlton 1975 Alan Curnow 1975 Graham Wenham 2015 Ian Deviny 1976 Mike Curnow 1976 Graham Wenham 2016 Josh Collins 1977 Paul Gaymer 1977 Martin Goodall 2017 Shaun Tarlton 1978 Phil Spurling 1978 Steve Hall 2018 Scott Kendall 1979 Phil Spurling 1979 Patrick Watts 1980 Roland Nix MIGLIA S-CLASS 1980 Jonathan Lewis 1981 Chris Hampshire 2006 Phil Harvey 1981 Gary Hall 1982 Chris Lewis 2007 Phil Harvey 1982 Gerald Dale 1983 Chris Lewis 2008 Phil Harvey 1983 Chris Gould 1984 Mike Fry 2016 Jim Burrows 1984 Chris Gould 1985 Mike Fry 2017 Jim Burrows 1985 Russell Grady 1986 Russell Grady 1986 Chris Tyrrell MINI LIBRE Invitational 1987 Russell Grady 1987 Chris Tyrrell 2017 Peter Crewes 1988 Russell Grady 1988 Malcolm Joyce 2018 Phil Harvey 1989 Myk Cable 1989 Steve Cooper* 1990 Owen Hall NATIONAL 1275 GT 1990 Bill Sollis* 1991 Myk Cable 1976 Roger Saunders 1991 Bill Sollis* 1992 Myk Cable 1977 Steve Soper 1992 Mike Jackson* 1993 Ian Gunn 1978 Jeremy Hampshire 1993 Tina Cooper* 1994 Chris Lewis* 1979 Steve Soper 1994 Ian Curley 1995 Chris Lewis 1980 Steve Harris 1995 Mike Jackson* 1996 Stewart Drake 1996 Phil Manser* GRAHAM HILL MEMORIAL 1997 Bill Sollis* 1997 Steve Bell TROPHY - SE7EN / MIGLIA 1998 Ian Curley* 1998 Matthew Hayman 1977 Steve Hall / Peter Hill 1999 Ian Curley* 1999 Dave Braggins 1978 Roy Finlay / Ken Brown 2000 Peter Baldwin* 2000 Dave Braggins 1979 Tim Lester/ Tony Edmonds 2001 Peter Baldwin 2001 Tim Sims* 1980 Gordon Levett 2002 Chris Lewis 2002 Tim Sims / John Simpson 2003 Peter Baldwin 2003 Tim Sims 1981 Steve Mole 2004 Peter Baldwin 2004 James Hall / Stewart Fowler 2005 Peter Baldwin 2005 Paul Thompson 2018 Thorburn Astin (U-17) 2006 Bill Sollis 2006 Andrew Deviny 2007 Andrew Hack CADWELL PARK SERIES 2007 Max Hunter 2008 Andrew Hack 1978 Chris Tyrrell (overall) 2008 Paul Thompson 2009 Andrew Hack 2009 Kane Astin CASTLE COMBE SERIES 2010 Paul Thompson 2010 Paul Spark 1983 Mike Fry (overall) 2011 Endaf Owens 2011 Paul Spark 2012 Peter Baldwin LYDDEN SERIES - 7 / MIG 2012 Paul Spark 2013 Peter Baldwin 1983 B Cowell / P Moore 2013 Andrew Deviny 2014 Rupert Deeth 1984 C Gould / D Titmuss 2014 Andrew Deviny 2015 Kane Astin 1985 P Kavanagh / G Munday 2015 Paul Spark 2016 Shayne Deegan 1986 C Tyrrell / B Comber 2016 Ashley Davies 2017 Rupert Deeth 1987 B Sollis / B Comber 2017 Charlie Budd 2018 Aaron Smith 1988 B Sollis / M Jones 2018 Max Hunter

30

Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3

AArchiverchive ROLLROLL OFOF HONOURHONOUR LibraryLibrary TheThe ChampionsChampions SOUTHERN/WINTER - 1994 Dave Hancock 2014 Shaun Tarlton SE7EN 1995 Peter Baldwin 2015 Lewis Fox 1971 Mick Collard 1996 Wayne Grayer 2016 Leon Oli Window 1972 David Sambell 1997 Tony Higgins 2017 Joe Thompson 1973 Geoff Gilkes 1998 David Abbott 2018 Stephen Colbran 1974 Geoff Gilkes 1999 Jonathan Lewis 1975 Graham Wenham 2000 Kevin Mason NOVICE AWARD - MIGLIA 1976 Bob Addison 2001 Kelly Rogers 1973 Kelvin May 1977 Richard Hamlyn 2002 Paul Brown 1974 Gary Cashman 1978 Jim McDougall 2003 Martin Wager 1975 Colin Davies 1979 Roy Finlay 1976 Bryan Dugdale 1980 Gerald Dale NOVICE AWARD - SE7EN 1977 Peter Calver 1981 Richard Hamlyn 1973 Hugo Shipley 1978 Paul Earley 1982 Chris Gould 1974 John West 1979 Keith Vinycomb 1983 Chris Gould 1975 Jeremy Wheatley 1980 Bryan Slark + 1984 Chris Gould 1976 Chris Lewis Marco Del Pizzo 1985 Steve Mole 1977 Tristan Batch 1981 Gordon Pocock 1986 Bill Sollis 1978 Rob Selby 1982 Miles Johnston 1987 Bill Sollis 1979 Jonathan Lewis 1983 Brian Quinn 1988 Guy Sims 1980 Derek Miller + 1984 Grant Munday 1989 – Peter Lawton 1985 Mark Jones 1990 Alan Rogers 1981 Mark Cinnamon 1986 Richard Collins 1991 Kelly Rogers 1982 Barbara Cowell 1987 Owen Hall 1992 Kelly Rogers 1983 Jeremy Omerod 1988 Steve Holtom 1993 Ian Curley 1984 Dave Banwell 1989 Eamonn Moran 1994 Kelly Rogers + 1985 Bill Sollis 1990 Bob Pearson Matthew Hayman 1986 Alan Jackson 1991 Jonathan Lee 1995 Dave Braggins 1987 Steve Cooper 1992 Steve Blunt 1996 James Hayman 1988 Andy Hack 1993 Jonathan Lloyd 1997 Alan Waite 1989 Bill Boyle 1994 Nick Reynolds 1998 Dave Banwell 1990 Niven Burge 1995 David Lawrence 1999 Ian Deviny 1991 Tim Stanbridge 1996 David McGuinness 2000 Andrew Deviny 1992 Shaun King 1997 Tony Higgins 2001 James Winnifrith 1993 Matthew Hayman 1998 Endaf Owens 2002 Andy Hack 1994 John Pearson 1999 Stephen Dalby 2003 Nick Tandy 1995 James Hayman 2000 Adrian Young 1996 Paul Woodbridge 2001 Andrew Howard SOUTHERN/WINTER - 1997 Sarah Munns 2002 Paul Simmonds MIGLIA 1998 Tom Francis 2003 – 1979 Paul Rowland 1999 Peter Weston 2004 Phil Anning 1980 John Meale 2000 Duncan Emmett 2005 Keith Allington 1981 John Meale 2001 James Loukes 2006 Paul Baird 1982 Jim McDougall 2002 Max Hunter 2007 Andrew Worsley 1983 Peter Moore 2003 Lewis Selby 2008 Owen Stinchcombe 1984 Mike Fry 2004 Alex Myall 2009 Dave Drew 1985 Gerald Dale 2005 Lee Jones 2010 Mark Cowan 1986 Mark Jones 2006 Ricky Horne 2011 – 1987 Mark Jones 2007 Thomas Knight 2012 Iain Cameron 1988 Mark Jones 2008 Neil Robins 2013 – 1989 – 2009 Terry Barringer 2014 – 1990 Tony Parker 2010 Mike Rayner 2015 Ian Briscall 1991 Tony Parker 2011 Ashley Davies 2016 – 1992 Chris Lewis 2012 Ross Billison 2017 Alfie Brown 1993 Jonathan Lee 2013 Justin Drury 2018 Richard Jessop

31

Pit & Paddock 2019: Issue 3 KNOW YOUR RIVALS 2 0 1 9

MiniMini Se7enSe7en MiniMini MigliaMiglia MiniMini--77 SS--ClassClass MiniMini LibreLibre # Driver # Driver # Driver # Driver 0 Leon WIGHTMAN 1 Aaron SMITH 706 Jo POLLEY 113 Phil HARVEY 1 Max HUNTER 11 Kane ASTIN 708 Scott KENDALL 115 Steve BAKER 2 Spencer WANSTALL 12 Wayne GRAYER 711 Damien HARRINGTON 123 Huw TURNER 4 Joe THOMPSON 15 Gordon POCOCK 715 Jonnie KENT 126 Peter HILLS 18 Tina COOPER 17 Rick JESSOP 720 Ben CUTLER n 127 Ian FRASER 19 Tom SANDERSON 20 Mark SIMS 733 James BRYAN n 133 Les STANTON n 20 Darren THOMAS 22 Stuart HORSFALL n 736 Thorburn ASTIN 149 Gary WARBURTON 22 Graeme DAVIS 23 Rupert DEETH 742 Ben BUTLER 171 Dan LEWIS 27 Leon Oli WINDOW 26 Peter ARNOLD 747 Kelvin EDGAR 177 Peter CREWES 28 Dom BURGER 27 Peter HARRIES 760 Jack SHEARING n 186 David FRANKS 35 Jeff SMITH 28 Bob HUMPHREYS 765 Simon MARTIN 474 Josh EVANS n 37 Gareth HUNT 29 Dave DREW 778 Charlie BRISKER 500 Rob DAVIS n 38 Steven HOPPER 37 James CUTHBERTSON 787 Connor O’BRIEN 616 Justin COOPER 39 Glen WOODBRIDGE n 42 Paul SIMMONDS 795 Stuart GILBY 122 Dave USHER 49 Ross BILLISON 44 Darren MOON 796 Mark CHAPPELL 132 Brian DAVAGE 55 Darren EATON 45 Chris MORGAN 723 James BULL 222 Ben BUTLER 57 Philip GILLIBRAND 48 Lee DEEGAN 746 Michael DRYDEN 241 Damon ASTIN 60 Malcolm J KEAT 49 Martin WAGER 766 Stephen COLBRAN 282 Pieter Van CLEEMPUTTE 63 Dave ROBINSON 53 Niven BURGE 779 Andy DICKINSON 666 Jonathan LEWIS 69 Steve TRENCH 56 Nick PADMORE 71 Simon JONES 60 Endaf OWENS 77 Andrew DEVINY 64 Alex OSBORNE 88 Kieren MCDONALD 69 Tony LE MAY 89 Tom HARTWELL 72 Rob HOWARD 94 Lee ROBERTS 79 Jon LEE 95 Julian PROCTOR 80 Joe THOMPSON 10 Nigel DAVIES 83 Colin PEACOCK 17 Nick CROYDON-FOWLER 85 Sam SUMMERHAYES 31 Ian BRISCALL 92 Jason PORTER 44 Duncan EMMETT 99 Richard WAGER 47 Dan BUDD 6/81 Alfie BROWN 84 Rob PEARSON 43 Dave EDGECOMBE 96 Stuart GILBY 46 Steve MAXTED

33